On the Privilege of Preaching

I get to preach at the University Baptist Church in Baton Rouge for the next two weeks, FBC Ray City on Super Bowl Sunday and fill in for my pastor (and one of my heroes) at FBC New Orleans on Valentine's Day.

I love to try to understand the Word and then try to make it understandable to hearers. I am terrified at the thought that I am responsible for bringing the Word, yet I am burdened with the practice of hearing it. I confess that one reason I love to preach is that I work harder at worship. As a leader, I am more invested than when I am a hearer and that is sad.

In Ephesians 2, Paul presents the process of redemption in Christ as restoration. Tomorrow morning, I will compare the process to my dream project--that of restoring a 1968 Camaro. I envision finding a rusty but salvageable '68 in a junkyard (like nobody else has seen this hidden treasure). I will negotiate a purchase price, claim it as my own and bring it out of its graveyard. I will give it a new name (all classic cars have to have a name), and lovingly and painstakinigly begin the process of restoration. It won't be finished all at once, but it will change ownership all at once and be placed in the diligent if not competent hands of a wannabe mechanic.

Before God began to restore me, I was dead (Eph. 2:1-3). I was claimed and put into drivable condition (v.4-9) and even though I am not perfect, I am on the road to run errands for the One who Restored me.

As a personal note, the plan and hope is that my son would hear me preach tomorrow. He is a Camaro who has not allowed the oil to be changed in a bit. Pray for him--and me--and you as you process the incredible news of restoration.

I can't wait to get back on the road again (has someone else said that before?)